Oct 29, 2016 4 min read

Some of the mysteries in the outdoor activities will in all probabilities never be completely solved.

For instance, what happened to the grouse here in Washington and Greene counties?

Opinions are commonly heard but they are just that, opinions.

The most commonly heard opinion is that of the competition for food between grouse and turkey. The theory is that the turkeys are taller and can reach various woodland growth much easier.

I can understand such thinking for I have been in tree stands and watched as a large flock of turkeys came through the woods and like a swarm of army ants, ate everything in sight. But remember, the food idea is nothing more than opinion, although it does hold a bit of logic.

As the number of turkeys grew in Washington and Greene counties, the grouse numbers seemed to fade into a warm memory.

There is, however, still grouse hunting to be found within the boundaries of Pennsylvania. I have driven through the State Game Lands between Brockway and Portland Mills and spotted many grouse along the road.

Today, grouse hunters would do well to travel to the northern wooded tier of the state to hunt the state bird.

On another subject, I can’t help but wonder why Pope & Young is so adamantly opposed to the use of a horizontal bow.

I must confess that without a crossbow, I couldn’t take part in the archery season. The original idea of a long season for the bow hunter was to be able to hunt with a primitive weapon. What could be more primitive than the crossbow which dates back over two thousand years?

If you want to see something more modern, take a look at the compound bow. I agree with those being used also but am pointing out it is so much more modern than today’s crossbow.

I know it is said the crossbow gives the hunter a great advantage. I agree to a point but there are disadvantages to the crossbow that are seldom mentioned.

First, a good compound bow will shoot farther than a crossbow. Much like the variations in bullet efficiency, the short arrow from a crossbow has a poorer co-efficiency than the longer arrow from a conventional vertical bow. After about 25 to 30 yards, the arrow from a crossbow takes a nose dive despite being propelled by a much heavier draw.

Another disadvantage with the crossbow is the inability to get off a second shot. I know you’res not supposed to miss but I have overshot a deer and the darned thing just stood there.

I then easily nocked another arrow and buried it in the bucks’ chest while shooting a compound bow. Try cocking a crossbow while the deer watches. The crossbow has some advantages – accuracy at short ranges being chief – but it also has some disadvantages.

Another question laid before me quite often this year has been happened to the walleye fishery, Pymatuming Lake?

This has always been the best of walleye waters but it is now a bust. Many anglers blame overfishing by a certain segment of the local population who catch as many of who knows what size walleye and keeps them all regardless of size and number.

I too have witnessed such unsportsmanlike conduct and it might be a factor.

Where is the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission when this occurs?

It might not be the whole problem but it certainly doesn’t help matters.

I have seen the same behavior on Lake Wilhelm and Lake Arthur. In this case greed supersedes common sense, respect for the outdoors and consideration for others. Perhaps the loss of revenue by businesses in the area will bring about some common sense. I’d be curious to hear if Lake Wilhelm and Lake Arthur are also experiencing these declining numbers in reported legal catches of walleye.

What you are reading is based on opinion – at least I admit it!

• So far I have heard of very few bucks being taken but the rut is just beginning. In my opinion things will start to pick up soon.

George H. Block writes a Sunday outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter.